Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates â
By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged FIFA Leadership to consider, Nigeria top on its plan for support and investment.
He also described Football as one unique sports that unites Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, culture or religion.
The President stated this at the State House Abuja, when the President of the World Football Governing Body (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, visited him, led by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare.
According to him, football is also one of the greatest sources of unity in the country as well as in many parts of the world, stating further that âour hearts beat as one, anytime our teams are playing a football matchâ.
âWithout any doubt, football is a major tool for national unity. Our youths are positively engaged when our national football teams are on assignmentâ, he emphasized.
President Buhari assured that his administration would continue to support FIFAâs initiatives â the FIFA connect programme, which aims at driving football development at the grassroots, using technology.
He added that his administration would utilize football for the development of the girl-child to inspire young people toward having rewarding careers in the game and thus ensure improved socio-economic development.
The President also informed the FIFA President on the 6-Nation Aisha Buhari Invitational Football Tournament, recalling that since 2017, his administration had adopted football as a national asset.
He added that sports was being accorded the highest level of attention possible, by his administration, to enable the rapid development of the abundant talented youths in the country.
Speaking earlier, Infantino, commended the Buhari administration for its commitment to the development of football and sporting infrastructure in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria has shown serious commitment to football by providing funding and creating a conducive environment for the development and growth of the game.
“We, as FIFA, are excited to be in a country where the Government, the Minister and the Football Federation are working with private investors like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is investing in football. This is not just about Nigeria or African football, but global football”, he said.
The FIFA president, who described the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja as a wonderful edifice, added that, “it is not just an investment in football but in the youth of this wonderful country.”
“FIFA appreciates this kind of investment and looks forward to giving its backing to have the stadium host some big games and competitions, to bring life to the heartbeat of the stadium,” Infantino assured.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that Nigeria remained the leading black nation in the world with talented youths, who are not only united through sports, particularly football, but also contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.
Our Correspondent reports that the high point of the occasion was the presentation of Jersey number 10 to President Buhari.
Strategic Media Partnership for Growth and Reputation: Introducing The Reporters
The Reporters is a dynamic online news publication committed to delivering credible, timely, and impactful journalism across Nigeria and beyond. With a strong foundation in professional reporting and editorial integrity, the platform focuses on social, economic, political, and human development issues that shape public discourse. Backed by decades of journalistic experience, The Reporters offers a trusted voice that informs, educates, entertains, and influences a diverse and engaged audience.
For members of the business community, The Reporters provides a strategic platform to enhance visibility, build brand credibility, and connect with target markets. Through well-crafted news, features, interviews, sponsored content, and digital amplification, businesses can showcase their products, services, and innovations to a wider audience. This engagement not only drives patronage but also positions organisations as key contributors to economic growth and development.
Political actors and aspirants also stand to benefit significantly from partnering with The Reporters. As the 2027 elections approach, the platform offers an opportunity for politicians to effectively communicate their vision, programmes, and track records to the electorate. Through balanced profiling, issue-based coverage, and reputation management content, The Reporters helps shape public perception and strengthens candidatesâ connection with voters.
Beyond visibility, The Reporters plays a crucial role in image laundering and perception management, presenting clients in a favourable, credible, and issue-driven light while maintaining ethical standards. By highlighting achievements, clarifying controversies, and projecting leadership qualities, the platform supports politicians in building trust and acceptance among constituents, which are critical assets in any electoral contest.
Engaging with The Reporters is therefore not just about publicity, it is about strategic communication for mutual benefit. Partners gain access to a credible media channel with the wide reach of The Reporters while it continues to fulfill its mandate of promoting development-oriented narratives. We invite stakeholders in both business and political spheres to collaborate with us in shaping informed opinions, driving growth, and advancing democratic engagement.
Prospective clients can reach us via WhatsApp: 08032901058 or email: ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
- Management
